a bit of histroy

walkerkd · May 30, 2002

History

jelisfc · May 30, 2002

If I'm not mistaked Isuzu is THE largest manufacturer of diesel engines at least in sheer numbers.

walkerkd · May 30, 2002

they are.

DaveRuane · May 30, 2002

While I am not proud that GM chose a japanese company to PARTNER with on the design of the Duramax, it is important to note that GM currently owns 49% of Isuzu and has for over a decade. I am still hopeful that this was just a headstart for GM and they will be able to bring it home for the next generation Dmax - an easy prospect for American engineering...

gmcjoe · May 30, 2002

FWIW, For 2004 the Dmax gets a new top end...

walkerkd · May 30, 2002

well even the big tractor comapnys your jap stuff!!! FYI

Kansas Kid · May 31, 2002

FWIW, For 2004 the Dmax gets a new top end...

Why yes it will, along with several other things from what I understand. Some of the are good (more power), some are bad (possibly EGR)

It is my understanding that for the 04 model year the Duramax will be getting redesigned cylinder heads (to move the injectors and other fuel system components outside of the head itself to prevent the fuel from leaking into the oil via the low pressure return line) and a variable geometry turbo (very cool, less turbo lag). It also wouldn't suprise me to see an EGR system, which are bad bad things on diesel engines. They will rarely go more then 50k miles without sooting up and causing problems.

Expect Hp to be in the neighborhood of 340, depending on what Ford and Dodge have at that time, which means atleast 550 ft-lbs of torque.

SoMnDMAX · May 31, 2002

It also wouldn't suprise me to see an EGR system, which are bad bad things on diesel engines. They will rarely go more then 50k miles without sooting up and causing problems.

Maybe. It's hard to say. EGR cannot be avoided, unfortunately with the Tier III emissions regulations coming down from the EPA.

Big truck diesels will be coming out with EGR systems, and SUPPOSEDLY, Cummins and Detroit are ready to rock. Caterpillar is about 6 months away from completion of testing. From my info sources, they have tested the EGR setups quite extensively, with good success.

Hopefully some of what the "Big Three" truck diesel manufacturers have done will get to the light duty diesel engines.

Garmat · May 31, 2002

walkerkd,

That was pretty interesting, but I am like so many others....disappointed that the duramax is of Japanese design. It is good to know Isuzu has a long and proud history of making diesels, but admit it.....you'd love for the motor in your truck to say CATERPILLAR on the top of it....wouldn't ya?

walkerkd · May 31, 2002

Garmat,

well yea that would be great but my cummins and navistar have big names on them im still impressed with the dmax and isuzu.. i work the heck out of my trucks and im saving money already with this rig.. heck im even considering getting 3 cc/da to replace my 3 fords.. im not converting im just making a smart move.

Dihappy · May 31, 2002

While I am not proud that GM chose a japanese company to PARTNER with on the design of the Duramax, it is important to note that GM currently owns 49% of Isuzu and has for over a decade. I am still hopeful that this was just a headstart for GM and they will be able to bring it home for the next generation Dmax - an easy prospect for American engineering...

With Isuzu being the largest manufacturer of diesel engines worldwide, and a leader in diesel engine technology, i dont mind at all that GM has partnered with them to make our trucks better.

Garmat · May 31, 2002

walkerkd,

No doubt in my mind that the duramax is a great engine. I am considering one for my next truck. I've had a Cummins and Powerstroke and I like the GM trucks the best overall. As far as the Japanese thing.....I guess it's just a pride issue with me. Some may think that's silly, but it's the way I am.... I just feel like there's domestic avenues GM could of taken for their diesel, but I completely understand why GM chose to partner with Isuzu and they've come out with a good motor. I'm warming up to it...it has just taken me a while....

CMNTMXR81 · June 3, 2002

GM partnered with Isuzu LONG before the D-Max came out (as GM owns a percentage of them as well as a percentage of Fuji heavy industries...I.E., Subaru).

####, my 83 S-10 believe it or not had an Isuzu built 2.0L 4cyl.

Neil 6.0 · June 3, 2002

Isn't the Duramax Isuzu's first V8 design?

saulsse · June 13, 2002

After recently buying a used 2001 2500 HD with the 6.6 Duramax, I had shown it to a co-worker who has a F250 and the Powerstroke.

When I took him for a ride in it, he was wowed at the Duramax performance. When I told him it was a Japanese designed motor, he simply stated that he could care less who designed it. Only thing he knew at that moment was that he was feeling himself pressed heavily back into the seat and as a result thinking that it was a gas engine under the hood vice a diesel.

I think that the Duramx no matter what will become a heavily favored motor no matter what and as the miles rack up on the multitude of engines out there the reliablity and the reputation of that motor will grow.